Powder can and dispenser therefor



Nov. 29, 1955 J. BROWNING POWDER CAN AND DISPENSER THEREFOR Filed Aug. 16, 1951 G Y. mm E M m E w 0 V o/ T N R T 8 WA H/ ////.A 1 M J j V, 8

United States Patent POWDER CAN AND DISPENSER THEREFOR John Browning, Ogden, Utah Application August 16, 1951, Serial No. 242,132

10 Claims. (Cl. 222243) The invention relates to a powder can and a dispenser therefor, being particularly useful for tooth powder.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a can and dispenser wherein the can is provided at the upper or outer end thereof with a magazine open at its upper or outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and wherein a means is provided at the outer open end of the magazine which serves when the can is inverted or partly inverted to directly engage the powder in the magazine primarily at the center thereof to break up the mass of the powder in the said magazine so that the said powder is in a mobile or fluent condition and is adapted to freely flow through the discharge opening. This object is preferably attained by providing a flexible diaphragm which extends over and closes the open outer end of the magazine, the said diaphragm being engageable with the powder as described and being manually movable.

A further object of the invention is to provide a closure which can be manufactured and sold as a separate article and which when assembled with the magazine of a can functions in the manner above-described.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a can and dispenser constructed and adapted to function as above-described and also having a valve or gate member within the magazine which is movable inwardly and outwardly and serves alternately to close and expose the discharge opening in the magazine.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a combined closure and gate member as last above-described which can be manufactured and sold as a separate article and which when assembled with the magazine of a can functions as described.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a can and dispenser wherein the can is provided at its upper or outer end with a magazine having a discharge opening in one side, wherein there is a valve or gate member in the magazine which in an upper or outer position closes the discharge opening and is movable inwardly to expose the said opening, and wherein a sealing member is provided for the magazine, the sealing member being below the gate member or at the inner side thereof and being removed from the magazine when the gate member is first moved inwardly.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the drawing and from the following description and claims.

In the drawing I have shown in detail two similar embodiments of the invention, but it will be understood that various changes may be made from the constructions shown, and that the drawing is not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

Of the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a view showing a powder can and a dispenser therefor embodying the invention, this view illustrating the manner of use.

penser.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3, but with the closure in a position different from that shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional View taken along the line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but with the gate member in its lower or inner position and with the sealing disc removed from the magazine.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the can and dispenser partly inverted as in Fig. 1 and with the sealing disc removed from the magazine.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but showing the diaphragm flexed to cause the discharge of powder, the gate member having been moved with the diaphragm.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing an alternative embodiment of the invention.

A powder can and dispenser embodying the invention is adapted to be used in the manner shown in Fig. 1. The can has a projecting upper or outer portion of reduced diameter which constitutes a magazine. The magazine is open at its upper or outer end and is provided with a discharge orifice or opening at one side. A flexible diaphragm is provided which extends over and closes the said upper or outer open end of the magazine. The diaphragm can be manually pressed or flexed inwardly to cause the discharge of powder through the discharge opening. The device is manually held in a tilted position as shown, and when the diaphragm is pressed the powder flows from the discharge opening, for instance directly onto a toothbrush.

The device comprises a main can 10 and a can cover 12 which is preferably structurally separate from the main can. When the cover is structurally separate it has a peripheral flange 14 which fits around the adjacent portion of the main can. Preferably and as shown, the main can is formed with a projecting peripheral bead 16. The flange 14 of the cover engages the bead 16 to limit cover movement.

The cover 12 of the can is provided with an upwardly or outwardly projecting magazine 18 preferably having a cylindrical wall with a slot or opening 20 in one side thereof. The opening 20 serves for the discharge of powder from the can. The magazine 18 is initially entirely open at its upper or outer end.

A flexible resilient diaphragm 22 is provided which extends over and closes the open outer end of the magazine 18. The periphery of the diaphragm 22 is normally fixed against inward or outward movement with respect to the magazine but the central portion of the said diaphragm is movable inwardly and outwardly by flexure and is biased to an-outer position. The said central portion of the diaphragm is movable inwardly from its said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure. Preferably the diaphragm is formed of rubber or equivalent material and it is so formed and shaped that it is inherently and independently biased to its said outer position, no separate spring or other means being provided for this purpose.

Preferably the diaphragm 22 is secured to or formed integrally with a cylindrical closure portion 24 which surrounds and fits the exterior of the magazine 18. As shown, the cylindrical portion 24 frictionally engages the exterior of the magazine and by the application of pressure can be forced thereon or removed therefrom. The cylindrical portion 24 has an opening 26 therein which is adapted to register with the discharge opening 20 in the magazine. The portion 24 by reason of its greater thickness is substantially less flexible than the diaphragm 22. Preferably the entire closure cap comprising the diaphragm 22 and the cylindrical portion 24 can be partly rotated on the magazine so as to bring the opening 26 into or out of register with the discharge opening 20.

The opening 26 in the cylindrical closure portion 24 is inherently open and is not closed by any flexure of any part of the closure. The opening 26, although inherently open, is obstructed by the periphery of the magazine when the said opening is out of register with the opening 29* in the magazine.

The magazine 18 is preferably provided near its outer end with a plurality of small circumaxially spaced projections 28, 28, three such projections being sufficient. The said projections 2%, 28 engage the soft material of the cylindrical portion 24 to resist rotation and also to resist removal of the closure cap from the magazine.

It is highly preferable, but not necessarily essential, that a member such as 39 be provided within the magazine 18, this member when provided being operable by the diaphragm 22 and being movable inwardly and outwardly. The member 30 upon movement thereof by the diaphragm serves as an agitator to facilitate the flow of powder into the magazine. As shown, the member 30 is a gate member which fits the interior of the magazine adjacent the said discharge opening in. Preferably the gate member 3% has a main cylindrical portion which fits the entire interior periphery of the magazine. When in its outer position as shown in Fig. 4 the gate member closes the opening 13, and when in its inner position as shown in Fig. 6 the gate member exposes the said opening. Preferably the outer edge of the main portion of the gate member is relatively sharp as shown. The movement of the gate member is preferably such that in its outer position its outer edge is substantially beyond the opening 2th in the outward direction and such that in its inner position its outer edge is substantially beyond the opening 20 in the inward direction.

The gate member 30 may be variously connected with the diaphragm 22. As shown, the main portion of the gate member is formed integrally with a central stem 32 and with radial spokes 34, 34 which connect the peripheral portion of the gate member with the said stem. The said spokes are closely adjacent the inner end of the gate member. The outer portion of the stem extends through an aperture in the diaphragm and it is circumferentially grooved as indicated at 36 to receive the. portions of the diaphragm surrounding the aperture. Thus the gate member is connected with the diaphragm for movement therewith. The bias of the diaphragm normally holds the gate member in its outer position. The spokes 34, 34 are narrow and they leave ample spaces for powder to flow between them when the can is inverted or partly inverted.

When powder is to be dispensed the closure cap is positioned with the opening 26 in register with the opening 2b as shown in Fig. 4. It may in fact be ordinarily retained in this position, being moved to the nonregistering position as shown in Fig. 3 only when the can and dispenser are to be packed for travel or the like. the closure cap in the said registering position, the can and closure are inverted or partly inverted to a position such as that shown in Figs. 1 and 7. The powder flows between the spokes 34, 34 to completely or substantially fill the magazine, being in contact with the diaphragm 22. When the gate member 30 is provided, it normally closes the discharge opening 26. To dispense powder the diaphragm is manually pressed inwardly to engage the powder in the magazine and to break up any cake that may have tended to form. The extent of diaphragm movement is greatest at the center and is progressively less toward its periphery. Thus the powder in the magazine is not moved as a unitary mass but is difierentially moved and is therefore broken up and made mobile and fluent. At the same time the diaphragm applies pres- With sure to the powder, and the pressure in cooperation with gravity causes the powder to freely flow through the discharge opening 20 as shown in Figs. 1 and 8. When the diaphragm is moved the member 30, when provided, is simultaneously moved and the spokes 34, 34 serve to break up any caking or bridging of the powder at the entrance to the magazine. When the member 30 is a gate member as described, it serves to expose the discharge opening as shown in Fig. 8, thus permitting the flow of powder through the said opening. Upon the release of pressure on the diaphragm the parts are restored to the positions shown in Fig. 7. When the dispenser is not in use the gate member always closes the opening 20, thus preventing the entry of moist air which would tend to harden or cake the powder.

One actuation of the diaphragm may be sufficient but it may be sometimes necessary to actuate the diaphragm two or more times. When the diaphragm is repeatedly actuated and the agitator or gate member is repeatedly moved, the spokes 34, 34 serve to break up the powder and to facilitate its entry into the magazine. Furthermore, the gate member when moving outwardly serves to carry powder with it so as to further facilitate entry of powder into the magazine.

it will be observed that the closure cap, as described, is a unit separable from the can and the magazine. The closure cap can be manufactured and sold separately from the can and magazine and can be assembled in conjunction with the filling of the can 1b and the placing of the cover 12 thereon. When the agitator or gate member 30 is provided the said closure cap and the said agitator or gate member collectively constitute a unit separable from the can and magazine and adapted to be separately manufactured and sold. inasmuch as the agitator or gate member is connected with the diaphragm of the closure cap, the two parts can be simultaneously asscmbled with the magazine of the can.

Preferably a sealing disc 38 is initially engaged frictionally with the magazine immediately adjacent the member 35 at the inner side thereof. The sealing disc 38 is free from any positive connection with the member 30. The disc 38 closely fits the magazine and it serves to prevent any sifting of the powder into the magazine and thence around the member 30 and through the discharge opening 26' during handling and shipment before reaching the user. When the member 30 is a gate mem her it normally closes the discharge opening, but it c inot fit SUlTlClClltlY tightly to prevent the escape of powder during the vibration incident to shipment, particularly if the can is in inverted position. diaphragm is first pressed by the user, the member presses against the sealing disc 38 to remove it from the magazine as shown in Fig. 6. The scaling disc enters the main can and is eventually embedded in the mass of When the powder.

During assembly the sealing disc may be placed in the magazine prior to the assembly therewith of the cl cap and gate member. If the closure disc is no. placed in the proper position it is moved to such posi by the gate member when the latter is assembled with the magazine.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention which differs as to structural details but which is adapted to function in the manner previously described.

The cylindrical portion of the closure cap instead of being formed integrally with the diaphragm is a separate rigid member 24 which may be formed of a suitable plastic material. The diaphragm 22 is formed with a peripheral vertical flange which is entered in annular groove in the member 24 and is cemented in place. The member 24 is of such size that it closely fits the magazine so as to be frictionally retained thereon. The projections 23, 28 on the magazine may be omitted. The diaphragm 22 may be connected with the stem of the gate member in the manner shown in Fig. but it may 5 be alternatively connected. As shown in Fig. 9 the stem 32 of the member 30 is provided with a central hole and the diaphragm is provided with an integral projection which enters the said hole and is cemented in place therein.

The invention claimed is:

l. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine on the can open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof, and a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding and fitting theperiphery of the magazine and having a lower face engaging the can for preventing relative downward movement of said cylindrical portion while permitting relative rotative movement which cylindrical portion is provided with an inherently open lateral opening for movement rotatively into and out of register with the said discharge opening in the magazine, the said closure also comprising a flexible resilient diaphragm fixedly secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion and extending over and serving as the sole means for closing the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, the inward movement of the diaphragm breaking up any caking of the material to be dispensed which is in said magazine.

2. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine on the can open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding and fitting the outer periphery of the magazine and normally fixed against inward and outward movement with respect thereto which cylindrical portion is provided with an inherently open lateral opening spaced from the outer end of the said cylindrical portion and positioned for rotative movement into and out of register with the said discharge opening at the outside thereof, the said closure also comprising a flexible resilient diaphragm secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion at the outer end thereof and extending over and serving as the sole means for closing the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an inwardly and outwardly movable cylindrical gate member located within the magazine and approximately fitting the interior thereof which gate member is normally positioned to close the said discharge opening, and means connecting the gate member with the central portion of the diaphragm of the closure for inward movement to expose the discharge opening at the inside thereof when the diaphragm is moved inwardly and for outward movement to close the said opening at the inside thereof when the diaphragm moves outwardly, said connecting means extending through the open outer end of the magazine and being free'from engagement with any parts other than said gate member and said diaphragm.

3. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine on the can open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding mally fixed against inward and outward movement with respect thereto which cylindrical portion is provided with an inherently open lateral opening spaced from the outer end of the cylindrical portion and positioned for rotative movement into and out of register with the said discharge opening, the said closure also comprising a flexible resilient diaphragm secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion at the outer end thereof and extending over and closing the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure andbeing inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an inwardly and outwardly movable gate member located within the magazine which gate member comprises a cylindrical main portion approximately fitting the interior of the magazine and a central stem connected at its outer end with the central portion of the diaphragm of the closure and radial spokes connecting the stem with the cylindrical portion near the bottom of the latter, the said gate member being positioned with its cylindrical portion normally closing the said discharge opening and the said gate member being movable inwardly to cause its cylindrical portion to expose the discharge opening when the diaphragm is moved inwardly and being movable outwardly to cause its said cylindrical portion to close the said opening when the diaphragm moves outwardly.

4. A closure and gate member for use with a powder can provided with an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, the said closure and gate member including in combination a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion of such size and shape as to be adapted to surround and fit the periphery of the magazine and provided with an inherently open lateral opening spaced from the outer end of the said cylindrical portion and so positioned as to be adapted to register with the said discharge opening of the magazine which closure also comprises a flexible resilient diaphragm secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion at the outer end thereof and adapted to extend over and close the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, and an inwardly and outwardly movable gate member connected with the central portion of the diaphragm and of such size and shape as to be adapted. to be located within the magazine and to approximately fit the interior thereof, the said gate member being normally in its outermost position with respect to the cylindrical portion of the closure for closing the magazine dis charge opening when the closure and gate member are assembled with a magazine and the said gate member being relatively movable inwardly to expose the said discharge opening when the diaphragm is moved inwardly and being relatively movable outwardly to close the said opening when the diaphragm moves. outwardly.

5. A closure and gate member for use with a powder can provided with an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof, the said closure and gate member including in combination a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion of such size and shape as to be adapted to surround and fit the periphery of the magazine and provided with an inherently open lateral opening spaced from the outer end of the said cylindrical portion and so positioned as to be adapted to register with the said discharge opening of the and fitting the outer periphery of the magazine and normagazine which closure also comprises a flexible resilient diaphragm secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion at the outer end thereof and adapted to extend over and close the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an inwardly and outwardly movable cylindrical gate member of such size and shape as to be adapted to be located within the magazine which gate member comprises a cylindrical main portion adapted to approximately fit the interior of the magazine and a central stem connected at its outer end with the diaphragm of the closure and radial spokes connecting the stem with the cylindrical portion near the bottom of the latter, the said gate member being normally in its outermost position with respect to the cylindrical portion of the closure for enabling the cylindrical portion of the gate member to close the magazine discharge opening when the closure and gate member are assembled with a magazine and the said gate member being relatively movable inwardly to expose the said discharge opening when the diaphragm is moved inwardly and being movable outwardly to close the said opening when the diaphragm moves outwardly.

6. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting magazine hav ing a discharge opening in one side thereof, an inwardly and outwardly movable gate member located within the magazine and approximately fitting the interior thereof, means for moving the gate member inwardly and outwardly to expose and close the discharge opening, and a sealing disc separate from the magazine and located within and fitting the interior thereof near the inner end thereof and immediately adjacent the inner face of the gate member, the said disc being held solely by the magazine and being free from connection with the gate member and the said disc being positioned for engagement by the gate member and being separable therefrom and from the magazine and freely movable into the can upon the first inward movement of the gate member.

7. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting magazine on the can open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, a closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding and fitting the periphery of the magazine and having a lower face engaging the can for preventing relative downward movement of said cylindrical portion while permitting relative rotative movement which cylindrical portion is provided with an inherently open lateral opening so positioned as to be adapted to register with the said discharge opening in the magazine which closure also comprises a flexible resilient diaphragm fixedly secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion and extending over and serving as the sole means for closing the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an agitator located within the magazine, and means for connecting the agitator with the central portion of the diaphragm for inward and outward movements in unison with inward and outward movements of the diaphragm, said connecting means extending through the open outer end of the magazine and being free from engagement with any parts other than said agitator and said diaphragm.

8. A closure and agitator for use with a powder can provided with an outwardly projecting cylindrical magazine open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, the said closure and agitator including in combination a rotatably movable closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion of such size and shape as to be adapted to surround and fit the periphery of the magazine and provided with an inherently open lateral opening spaced from the outer end of the said cylindrical portion and so positioned as to be adapted to register with the said discharge opening of the magazine which closure also comprises a flexible resilient diaphragm fixedly secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion at the outer end thereof and adapted to extend over and close the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an agitator located at least partly within the said cylindrical portion, and means for con necting the agitator with the central portion of the diaphragm for inward and outward movements in unison with inward and outward movements of the diaphragm, said connecting means being free from engagement with any parts other than said agitator and said diaphragm.

9. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting magazine having a lateral discharge opening in one side thereof, a closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding and fitting the periphery of the magazine and provided with a lateral opening adapted to register with the lateral opening in the magazine, an inwardly and outwardly movable agitator located within the magazine, means for moving the agitator inwardly and outwardly, and a sealing disc separate from the magazine and located within and fitting the interior thereof near the inner end thereof and immediately adjacent the inner face of the agitator, the said disc being held solely by the magazine and being free from connection with the agitator and the said disc being positioned for engagement by the agitator and being separable therefrom and from the magazine and freely movable into the can upon the first inward movement of the agitator.

10. A powder can and a dispenser therefor comprising in combination, an outwardly projecting magazine on the can open at its outer end and having a discharge opening in one side thereof and spaced from the said outer end, a closure for the magazine comprising a cylindrical portion surrounding and fitting the periphery of the magazinc and having a lower face engaging the can for preventing relative downward movement of said cylindrical portion while permitting relative rotative movement which cylindrical portion is provided with an inherently open lateral opening so positioned as to be adapted to register with the said discharge opening in the magazine which closure also comprises a flexible resilient diaphragm fixedly secured at its periphery to the said cylindrical portion and extending over and serving as the sole means for closing the open outer end of the magazine, the central portion of the diaphragm being movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to the cylindrical portion of the closure and being inherently and independently biased to an outer position and being movable inwardly from the said outer position in opposition to the bias upon the application of external manual pressure, an inwardly and outwardly movable gate member located within the magazine and approximately fitting the interior thereof adjacent said discharge opening which gate memberis normally positioned to close the said discharge opening, and means connecting the gate member with the central portion of the diaphragm for inward movement to expose said discharge opening when the diaphragm is moved inwardly and for outward movement to close the said opening when the diaphragm moves outwardly, said connecting means extending through the open outer end of the magazine and being free from engagement with any parts other than said gate member and said dia- 5 phragm. 1

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Kells Oct. 13, 1885 Miller Nov. 12, 1895 Hodgkinson Jan. 3, 1911 Boos Apr. 15, 1913 Sella Apr. 14, 1936 

